Boston, MA- The State of Massachusetts has announced that it will formally sign on to the controversial Secure Communities program that will pass the data of all people who are processed by local police through Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice databases in search of those who are undocumented regardless of any other criminal record that they may or may not have. Once identified these people are detained and deported.

“It is very lamentable that in a State that is considered one of the most progressive in the country that the Patrick Administration would sign on to something as odious as the ironically-named “Secure Communities” program. Far from making our communities secure, this program counters decades of community policing and outreach efforts in places like Greater Boston by casting doubt on the intentions of the actions of local law enforcement in immigrant neighborhoods,” said Patricia Montes, Executive Director of Centro Presente.

On behalf of our members of the Latino immigrant community of Massachusetts, Centro Presente denounces this action of Governor Patrick in the strongest terms possible. It is completely reasonable to prosecute serious criminals but not at the expense of people whose only “crime” is to be trapped in a failed immigration system. There are ample cases and studies that clearly illustrate that in every instance where laws such as these are implemented, the incidence of racial profiling increases. Essentially Boston has said to the immigrant community “trust us, we want to work with you” while at the same time they have used their undisclosed participation in this program since 2006 to deport individuals who by their own categorization are “non-criminals.” And now this program will be open for implementation across the State.

Clearly from the National level to the State to local authorities, many of our politicians are running scared from Tea Party extremists, xenophobes and racists. If our so-called progressive elected officials enact the same prejudicial laws and programs that we would expect from conservative politicians, then who is the community to turn to? Centro Presente will continue to organize our members to better understand the issues that are affecting them and how best to respond to them in an effective and appropriate manner. The organization is calling an emergency meeting with members and allies.

For Immediate Release

December, 17 2010

Patricia Montes, Centro Presente

(617) 959 3108

Boston, MA- The State of Massachusetts has announced that it will formally sign on to the controversial Secure Communities program that will pass the data of all people who are processed by local police through Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice databases in search of those who are undocumented regardless of any other criminal record that they may or may not have. Once identified these people are detained and deported.

“It is very lamentable that in a State that is considered one of the most progressive in the country that the Patrick Administration would sign on to something as odious as the ironically-named “Secure Communities” program. Far from making our communities secure, this program counters decades of community policing and outreach efforts in places like Greater Boston by casting doubt on the intentions of the actions of local law enforcement in immigrant neighborhoods,” said Patricia Montes, Executive Director of Centro Presente.

On behalf of our members of the Latino immigrant community of Massachusetts, Centro Presente denounces this action of Governor Patrick in the strongest terms possible. It is completely reasonable to prosecute serious criminals but not at the expense of people whose only “crime” is to be trapped in a failed immigration system. There are ample cases and studies that clearly illustrate that in every instance where laws such as these are implemented, the incidence of racial profiling increases. Essentially Boston has said to the immigrant community “trust us, we want to work with you” while at the same time they have used their undisclosed participation in this program since 2006 to deport individuals who by their own categorization are “non-criminals.” And now this program will be open for implementation across the State.

Clearly from the National level to the State to local authorities, many of our politicians are running scared from Tea Party extremists, xenophobes and racists. If our so-called progressive elected officials enact the same prejudicial laws and programs that we would expect from conservative politicians, then who is the community to turn to? Centro Presente will continue to organize our members to better understand the issues that are affecting them and how best to respond to them in an effective and appropriate manner. The organization is calling an emergency meeting with members and allies.